• Little Dipper Hot Springs is one of the five soaking pools near Boiling Springs
Little Dipper Hot Springs is one of five soaking areas near Boiling Springs in the Boise National Forest. It’s the first pool you'll encounter on a moderate 3.5-mile (5.6 km) out-and-back hike along the Middle Fork Payette River, with an elevation gain of about 300 feet.
This hot spring is a primitive soak—a shallow, rock-lined pit covered with a tarp. With no drainage, algae often accumulates, and its forested location can make it easy to miss.
Due to its rudimentary nature and minimal comfort, many visitors prefer continuing 0.6 miles farther to Moondipper/Pine Burl Hot Springs and Butterfly/Groundhog Hot Springs farther along the trail.
The best time to visit is between May and October, when river levels are low enough that the pools are not flooded.
For a broader guide to hot springs in this region, check out Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest.
Camping
Boiling Springs Campground sits at the trailhead to the springs, 0.25 miles away from the Boiling Springs.
You can rent the cabin through recreation.gov.
Little Dipper Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 23 miles southwest • Central Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round, but the road is covered by snow during winter
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 1.75 miles
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: No
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Elevation: 4,200 ft (1,280 m)
Water T° (source): Varies
Water T° (pools): Varies
Odor None
More Adventures
Directions to Little Dipper Hot Springs
From Crouch,
- Take S Middlefork Road for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto Middlefork Road and follow it for 13.9 miles
- Turn left onto Forest Road 698/Middlefork Road and follow it for 5.4 miles.
Take a 1.75-mile one-way hike from the trailhead along the Middle Fork Payette River.
The path with steep and slippery sections follows the river's western edge. It is the safer option when the water level is high.
The Middle Fork Trail is more direct, but you must cross the river several times on your way. During the dry season, the river is usually only ankle-deep.
GPS (Trailhead): N 44°21.604' W 115°51.594' | 44.36018, -115.85986
GPS (Little Dipper Hot Springs): N 44°22.752' W 115°50.622' | 44.3792, -115.8437